GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is the international radio safety system mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for ships at sea. The GMDSS was implemented on February 1, 1999 through amendments to the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention. The new procedures and mandated communications equipment have brought about sweeping changes to radio watchkeeping and distress communications since the original SOLAS Convention was enacted into international law following the sinking of the SS TITANIC. The GMDSS is based on the linking of Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities ashore with shipping in the immediate vicinity of a vessel in distress or in need of assistance. The primary purpose of GMDSS is to automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
GMDSS requirements generally apply only to international oceangoing ships of 300 gross tons and larger, but many countries have required the use of GMDSS subsystems for their domestic vessels. Ships must carry at least two persons holding a GMDSS Radio Operator License for distress and safety radiocommunications purposes. The GMDSS Radio Operator's License qualifies personnel as a GMDSS radio operator for the purposes of operating a GMDSS radio installation. A qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents and a second qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated as backup for distress and safety radiocommunications. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the issuing authority for the GMDSS Radio Operator's License.
The FCC GMDSS Radio Operator's License is obtained by passing two written examinations. FCC Element 1 covers basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 of the 24 questions on the exam. FCC Element 7 covers GMDSS Radio Operating practices. GMDSS radio operating procedures sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS subsystems and equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: general information, narrow-band direct-printing, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft equipment. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.
In addition to requirements of the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard requires holders of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates to obtain an endorsement as "Radio Operator in the GMDSS." U.S. implementation of the STCW treaty mandates that all Merchant Marine deck officers complete resident training at a U.S. Coast Guard approved GMDSS course. The U.S. Coast Guard will issue a STCW GMDSS endorsement upon successful completion of such a course.
Please consider our publications, study materials, and training resources to meet your GMDSS needs. Mercomms Unlimited presented the first GMDSS Radio Operator training course in the United States more than 15 years ago. Since then, our experienced Radio Officer instructors have successfully trained hundreds of officers at numerous venues. Personalized attention and hands-on training with GMDSS equipment is a cornerstone of our approach to GMDSS certification. Please let us know how we can help.
At Mercomms Unlimited, we are * Communicating Excellence *
Mercomms Unlimited, Inc.
260 Royal Tern Rd North
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Tel: (904) 525-8080
Fax: (904) 525-8081
